Reloading 45-70 gov't for a Henry Golden boy

Arby

My Grandson picked up a new 45-70 Gov't Golden boy (h010b) and I will be reloading for it. Looking at RCBS dies...recommendations for lubing the cases?

For starters I'm looking at Hornady data using IMR 4198 and Federal 210 primers for a 300 grain #4500 HP pill...Not real sure for a starting work up point,thinking about 45 grains working to a max of 50 grains.


Haven't reloaded long gun ammo in quite some time so any tips , pros and cons for this combo will be appreciated

charliemeyer007

Non carbide dies need lube on cases. I like the Lee stuff for regular duty and Redding sizing die wax for heavy duty.

Lever gun - expect to full length size every time and crimp the bullets in place.

Data I'd start on the low end of 86 Win and work up. Cartridge length can be critical for proper functioning. Test before you load a bunch.

Lyman shows 36 to 41 grains for imr-4198 with a 300 gr HP Rem 9 1/2 primer. Your load is way hot.

longspur rider

45 grains is a hot load. I load H-4198 for my 45-70. I shoot a 405 gr lead bullet with 30.0 grains of powder. That seems to be a plenty.

navc130

You need to determine the strength of the Henry action. There are published loads for weak (1873 Springfield), moderate (Win 1886) and strong (Ruger No. 1) actions. Then you can load the appropriate load.

62fuelie

I load for my stainless Marlin 1895 using a 300 grain JHP and 50 grains of H4198. I believe the Marlin is significantly stronger than the Henry as it is the only lever gun listed in the Sierra manual along with the Ruger #1 and the Siamese Mauser. With the ported barrel this load is manageable, but I would rather shoot a steady diet of my .340 Weatherby rounds than these in the Marlin, it is rather punishing. I think charlie is on the right track with starting with low end '86 loads.

Arby

I checked with the folks at Henry and they said the Golden Boy should take anything used for 1895 Marlin load data...no Trap or Ruger loads.

According to Hornady load data, using IMR 4198 and 300gr pills, 41.0grs is midrange at 1800fps and 48.7 grs is redline at 2100fps.

I will start the work up at about 36grs...hopefully I will get best results around the 1800fps numbers.

I really appreciate the feed back guys...Thanks.

Since I am 83 and have titanium shoulders my 33 yr. old Grandson is going to do the shooting for the workup...[:D] Besides he is probably a better marksman than his teacher...LOL

charliemeyer007

The beauty of 45-70 is lead bullets will do nicely at a lot cheaper price especially if you cast and size them. I have run 292 up to 540 grain and pushed them hard with good results. Big bullets with heavy loads will beat you.

The Lyman 330gr Gould HP is a nice bullet.

varian

my best results are with a sierra 300 gr flatnose and 58grs 3031 powder. i have tried other powders but 3031 definitely gives me the best accuracy. i dont know how strong the henry is but my marlin 1895 handles this load very well.

Arby

I'm using Hornady's 7th Edition Reloading book. Data for 45-70 1895 Gov't 300 gr lists Starting loads for IMR 4198 @ 35.8gr and a Max @ 48.7gr....Hodgdon's website lists Start@ 53.7 and Max@ 57.2.

I called Hodgdon Tech Service, they said the Start point should be @45grs and a Max @48grs this agrees with the listings in the Hornady book. Accordingly, I will start my workup at 40 grs.